I donated eggs to give someone the chance of a child

Hayley overcame her fear of injections to become an egg donor just before her wedding.

“The article on egg donation is in my purse to this day. It was about a couple who longed to have children, and being blessed with three beautiful boys myself I felt an overwhelming urge to call the number, so I did.

I felt immediately at ease when I spoke to Alison. She answered my questions then asked what I looked like, about my family and why I wanted to donate. I wasn’t a match for the couple in the article but I was for another couple who needed help.

My partner and I were planning our wedding at the time. He was supportive, though he had questions of his own, which Alison answered. I went to a fertility clinic for a health check, blood tests and counselling, which were all OK.

Once I got the go ahead my cycle was synchronised with the other woman by taking the pill, and when I stopped it, started a nasal spray and went back for a scan. Once the all clear was given, I began the hormone injections.

The nurses showed me how to self inject, which I had to do each evening. The first time was tough and tearful, because I had to overcome my fear of needles, but my husband and eldest son were amazing and it was with their support that I did it. The injection didn’t even hurt in the end – I was so focused on getting the fluid in that it was over before I’d realised. I felt silly for making a fuss: it was such a small thing that would make a huge difference to someone else.

The clinic scanned me regularly to see how my eggs were growing and after ten days it was time to book in for egg collection.

The operation took place under a light anaesthetic. I was in and out in a day – it wasn’t as intrusive as I expected. In fact it was a lovely experience: every member of the team was amazing. After the operation they told me that they had got six eggs – a good result. I had an overwhelming feeling of pride.

I never met the couple, but we exchanged cards and gifts. Sadly they were not successful but four months later – after my wedding and honeymoon! – and after offering to do this again, I was asked to donate for someone else. This time it was plain sailing: injections weren’t an issue, I saw the same friendly faces at the clinic and Alison was regularly at the end of the phone supporting me. This time they collected 11 eggs and my very proud husband came with me on the day.

If these donations result in children then they may want to meet me when they are older. That would be nice, but odd: I don’t see them as being my children. I didn’t donate so I could have a bigger family; I did it so someone else could have a chance at having a family they longed for.”

Find out how becoming an egg donor could change someone’s life by giving them the chance of having a family.